Health Benefits of Corn flour
Corn flour is the best flour, especially in winter as it is rich in minerals and plant-based compounds, and beneficial nutrients that are good for your health. Corn flour is a fine powder made by grinding dried corn grains. Corn flour is naturally gluten-free.
What is Corn flour?
Corn flour is an ingredient that is commonly used for Indo-Chinese recipes and is said to be a major ingredient in it. Since we use flour in our kitchens almost every day, it’s crucial to know if the ingredients are healthy or not. Generally, corn flour is used to cook various soups and sauces, therefore it is commonly used as a thickening ingredient in many Indian and Western dishes. This article discusses the health benefits of corn flour.
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Benefits of Corn flour
1. Helps to reduce bad cholesterol
Corn flour can be beneficial for reducing masses of bad cholesterol as corn flour is rich in dietary fiber which helps reduce the levels of low-density lipoprotein, also known as bad cholesterol.
2. Great source of antioxidants
Corn flour contains high levels of antioxidants that help prevent diseases. The same unprocessed cereal contains higher levels of polyphenols than processed cereals, also called food grains. Foods rich in these compounds help fight free radical damage caused by processed foods, toxins, and sun exposure.
3. Energize the body
If you want to get enough energy for the day, it is better to eat corn flour bread as it contains enough calories which help to balance the number of calories you burn throughout the day. Also, B vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, and thiamine help improve the energy metabolism in your body.
4. Good for your bone health
Corn flour is rich in potassium and magnesium and these minerals are really good for your bone health. Potassium helps preserve the amount of calcium in your body to prevent a decrease in urinary calcium in your magnesium help improve bone density, and strengthen connective tissue and teeth.
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5. Lower high blood pressure
Corn flour is a low-sodium food which means it is helpful to counter the risk of high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and stroke. Therefore, people with high blood pressure should include corn flour in their diet and even older people.
6. Helps to improve psychological functions
Corn flour contains essential vitamins like B3, Vitamin B1, and thiamine which helps in improving cognitive functions. Research suggests that magnesium has a potential role as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Having the right amount of magnesium can be helpful to improve cognitive functions and restore vital brain agility.
7. Healthy for pregnant women
Corn flour is rich in folic acid and this acid plays an important role during pregnancy. Folic acid is essential to prevent the risk of abnormal spine and brain development in the baby. Therefore, it is advisable for pregnant women to have supplements containing extra folic acid until birth.
8. Reduce the risk of anemia
Corn flour contains some essential vitamins like iron, folate, and vitamin B9 and these prevent anemia. When you have red blood in your blood, anemia is a condition when there are few cells and it reduces the nutrients and oxygen in the red blood cells.
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9. Maintain a healthy weight
The high fiber content in corn flour can also be used in the weight loss process or to maintain a healthy weight. People think that having corn flour will make them gain weight but this is not the case, the fat you get from corn flour is negligible and the fiber content helps you feel satiated for a longer period of time which means you don’t feel like eating more. However, excessive use can lead to weight gain.
10. Good for digestion
Corn flour is good for digestion because it contains dietary fiber and this dietary fiber improves intestinal motility and reduces the chances of bloating. Corn flour contains cellulose, amylose, hemicellulose and lignin which are called insoluble fibers. The balance between insoluble and soluble fiber promotes proper digestion. The insoluble fiber found in corn has the ability to ferment in the colon and support various microbiomes.
11. Gluten free
Corn flour is gluten-free and an excellent alternative to wheat flour. It is used for thickening gravies and preparing baked goods, and tortillas, without the use of inflammatory gluten. Inflammation is the main reason for most diseases so eliminating inflammation that creates food from the diet helps prevent disease and also improves the quality of life.
12. Get rid of constipation
If you consume corn flour it helps reduce the risk of constipation as it helps improve your intestinal circulation. Corn flour contains fiber which helps improve your intestinal system and facilitate digestion.
Check Price: Corn Flour Powder
Uses of Corn flour
Generally, corn flour is used to thicken various soups and sauces. Therefore, it is commonly used as a thickening ingredient in many Indian and Western dishes. Corn flour is also used to make bread and cakes.
Side effects of Corn flour
- Too much corn flour in your diet can raise blood sugar levels.
- Daily consumption of cornstarch can cause weight gain.
- Too much cornflour in your diet can cause heart problems.
- High blood pressure is another problem caused by cornflour.
Therefore, corn flour should be used in the right amount considering its advantages and disadvantages as excessive use of any ingredient can harm our health. The above information is provided for general information purposes only. It is recommended to consult a doctor before using corn flour in treatment.
Conclusion
The information discussed in this article has introduced you to the health benefits of corn flour. In this article, you will learn about the benefits, harms, uses, and information of corn flour. I hope the information mentioned in this article will be useful to you. Thank you!
FAQ
1. Is corn flour good for your health?
Ans: Corn flour is an excellent substitute for white/wheat flour. It’s good for baked goods and gravies and it also eliminates inflammatory foods from your diet, resulting in a healthy gut.
2. Does corn flour cause weight gain?
Ans: Corn flour is lower in calories than flour. It is high in protein and starch. Corn contains iron, phosphorus, zinc, and various vitamins. The amount of resistant protein in the cereal helps to control weight more efficiently.
3. Is corn flour good for cholesterol?
Ans: The health benefits of corn flour include improved cardiovascular health. Studies suggest that corn products have been shown to have an anti-atherogenic effect on cholesterol levels. Therefore, it reduces the risk of various cardiovascular diseases. It allows omega-3 fatty acids to remove harmful LDL or bad cholesterol.
4. Is corn flour hard to digest?
Ans: Corn flour is generally easy to digest, contains valuable antioxidants and can provide good amounts of protein and Fiber, making it a good alternative to quite nutrient-dense flours. Since corn contains phytic acid, it is possible that your body cannot absorb the nutrients in flour.
5. How can I use corn flour?
Ans: In the culinary arts, cornflour is used as a binding agent for puddings and similar recipes. It is commonly used as a thickener for soups, stews, sauces and other dishes. Corn flour is used as breading in Italian cooking. One can make a simple pudding with cornstarch, milk and sugar.